Is the snorkeling at the Coral Gardens worth it or should we spent 1/2 a day at the seven mile beach?
If we book through a private company the tour will include the stringrays and snorkel. But if we book through the ship the tour will include the stringrays and the seven mile beach.
We will be traveling with a 9 year old and a 14 year old. None of us have ever been snorkeling.

Is the snorkeling at the Coral Gardens worth it or should we spent 1/2 a day at the seven mile beach?
If we book through a private company the tour will include the stringrays and snorkel. But if we book through the ship the tour will include the stringrays and the seven mile beach.
We will be traveling with a 9 year old and a 14 year old. None of us have ever been snorkeling.

Since your private tour includes Stingray City, that would definitely be my recommendation. Although Seven Mile Beach is very nice, it is just a beach. And the Stingray experience is a one time experience not to be missed (particularly with a 9 & 14 yr old along).
Nancy

Thank you Nancy and Sunprincess for responding.
Nancy you have helped my family so much on two of our excursions and this is the last one I need to schedule. If you could help (or anyone else)..... We have decided to try and book with Buccaneer in Grand Cayman. The departure time is 10:30 am and the arrival time to the dock is 1:45 pm. Do you think we have time to do this excursion on our own if the ship (Royal Caribbean) arrives at 7:00 am and departs at 4:00 pm? Buccaneer stops will include Coral Gardens, one other snorkeling place, and the stringray city. Have you ever snorkeled at the Coral Gardens? Do think the kids will see much fish?

mip,
I just re-read your orignal post and realized I misunderstood it - I thought you would only get to do Stingray City with the tour company and the ship excursion included Coral Gardens and 7 mile beach, so my response probably didn't make much sense. (Ah - that's what I get for responding before my norning cup of coffee )

Anyway, to answer this question. The timing of that excursion should be perfect. The Buccaneer catamaran is a great way to do Stingray City and the crew is super! I have used them before and will actually be enjoying the experience again on Feb. 14 when we are in Grand Cayman. I'll give a full report when I get back.

Nancy,
Thank you for all the great information. I hope you have a great trip to Grand Cayman.
Just one little question; how is the snorkeling in Grand Cayman? The reason why I ask is because my travel agent suggested to do the excursion (stringray city only) with the ship because the snorkeling in Grand Cayman was not worth it.
Again I hope you have a great time. Please report any news.
I think I will go ahead and book the excursion through the Buccaneer company.
Thanks again for being so so very helpful. Our trip is planned during our Spring Break in March. We are all so excited and can not wait!!

There is some excellent snorkeling in Grand Cayman, but in order to get a quality experience you do need to have a good guide who really knows the waters. BTW - If you find the independent companies are already booked, then I would definitely book this excursion through the ship NOW. Otherwise you may be out of luck.
Nancy